Net neutrality, also known as ‘open internet,’ is the principle that all data and traffic on the internet should be treated equally, and that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) cannot discriminate or charge differently by content, user, application, or website. The net neutrality rules prevent ISPs from engaging in unfair practices that harm internet openness: blocking access to content, throttling or deliberately slowing down traffic, and prioritizing one content over a competitor’s.

“The internet is a resource organized on the principles of openness, fairness, and freedom. It is an essential resource that fuels the creative engine of our City’s economy and preserves our right to communicate freely. Abandoning net neutrality would be an abandonment of the principles on which this country was founded,” said Councilwoman Rodriguez.

"We need to find ways to make the internet more affordable and accessible to Angelenos. What the FCC and the Trump Administration are proposing to do is a huge step backwards and only serves the stockholders of major communication companies. The reality is that there are kids in Los Angeles and across the country who have limited access to the internet and we owe it to them to bridge the digital divide," said Councilmember Blumenfield.

On December 14, 2017, the FCC is expected to vote on a plan that would dismantle the net neutrality regulations that currently help to protect and maintain open, uninhibited access to lawful content online. Read the resolution, here.

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Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez Chair’s the City’s Information, Technology, and General Services Committee. She represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which include the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon.